Peg mechanism and peg for stringed instruments

ABSTRACT

A peg mechanism and peg for stringed instruments is provided. It requires no skilled techniques and dedicated tools for manufacturing and maintaining instruments easily. It is applicable to the existing instruments, easy to perform tuning and fine-tuning, and usable for a long time period in stable A certain number of cylindrical throughholes, each having an inner surface with an axially uniform diameter, are provided along the extending direction of strings and sequentially on a support wall formed in a head stock of a stringed instrument. A bushing composed of a abrasion quality material is sandwiched between a string post for winding a string and a knob for rotating the string post, and secured in the throughhole. An adjusting means is provided between the string post and the knob for relatively displacing the string post close to and apart from the knob by external operations.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a peg mechanism and peg for stringedinstruments mainly including violins, cellos, violas, samisens and folkinstruments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional peg mechanism for use in stringed instruments such asviolins, cellos, violas and samisens comprises a pair of support walls52A, 52B and string posts 54, for example, as shown in FIG. 7. Thesupport walls 52A, 52B have a certain number of pairs of peg insertionholes 51, 51 in communication with each other, provided through a space53 for winding strings formed in a head stock A of a stringedinstrument, along the extending direction of strings. The string post 54is inserted into the pair of throughholes 51, 51 and is rotated in thespace 53 to wind a string. The throughhole 51 has an innercircumferential surface that is tapered along the insertion direction ofthe string post 54. The string post 54 has an outer circumferentialsurface that is tapered so as to contact tightly with the innercircumferential surface of the throughhole 51.

Such the peg mechanism for stringed instruments is configured to drivethe string post 54 along the insertion direction and press the outercircumferential surface of the string post 54 to the tapered surface inthe throughhole 51 to halt the rotation of the string post 54. It isfurther configured to press the string post 54 into the throughhole 51to secure the string post 54 onto the support wall to some extent so asnot to cause reverse rotations, of the string post in a tuned state, dueto tension of the string. In case of a tuning operation for such thestringed instrument, the tuned state of the string post 54 that ispressed into the throughhole 51 is maintained. On the other hand, thestring post 54 is pulled in the direction opposite to the insertiondirection to release the string post 54 that is pressed into the taperedsurface of the throughhole 51. In this stale, the string post 54 can berotated to wind or unwind the string.

The peg mechanism that secures the string post onto the support wallusing such the tapered surfaces, however, can not achieve a sufficientfrictional resistance when the tight contact between the taperedsurfaces is incomplete. In this case, the string post slips due to thetension of the string and varies the tuned condition of the string.Therefore, it is required to manufacture the tapered surface of thethroughhole so that it can lightly contact with the tapered surface ofthe string post. In addition, skilled techniques and dedicated tools arerequired at the times of their manufacture and maintenance.

The string post is rotated and halted in the throughhole using thetapered surfaces. Thus, the string post rotates heavily when it isstrongly inserted into the throughhole, and rotates lightly when it isweakly inserted into the throughhole. The degree of the insertion of thestring post into the throughhole depends on the feeling of a player whoemploys the stringed instrument. Therefore, when the string post isinserted too strong, rotations of the string post may be inhibited. Whenthe string post is inserted too weak, the string post may rotateinversely due to tension of the string and cause critical troubles sucha s a state of out of tune in playing. Therefore, players are requiredto be skilled in tuning. In addition, the mechanism that employs thetapered surfaces can not avoid abrasions to occur on both taperedportions. In the above mechanism, a string is held with a contactpressure between wooden parts of the string post and the throughhole.Therefore, it is difficult to rotate the string post smoothly and, atthe time of tuning, perform a fine-tuning to secure the string post at adesired location in the throughhole.

The string post is usually composed of wood or synthetic resin and istherefore abraded after a long time use. As a result, the tight contactwith the throughhole varies and a normal tuning can not be performed. Inthis case, it is required to buy a new string post and readjust itstapered surface so as to meet with the tapered surface in thethroughhole in the instrument. In addition, an operation is required tobore a new throughhole after filling the current throughhole in theinstrument that is enlarged by abrasion. If the tapered surface of thestring post meets with the taper of the throughhole, frequent tuningscause engagement of the string into the string post and wear the stringpost at a portion of winding the string, which will not be usable anymore in short time. In these cases, in order to request an expert torepair the string post, the player must burden a routine maintenancecost and time.

To the contrary, FIG. 8 shows another conventional peg mechanism thatutilizes tapered surfaces of a string post 54 and a throughhole 51. Anengagement member 55 is provided at the tip end of the string post 54.The engagement member 55 is engaged in a tip end throughhole 51A androtatably supports the string post 54. A fastener ring 56 is attached tothe tapered surface of a base end throughhole 51B. The fastener ring 56has a tapered diameter that decreases as the diameter of the base endthroughhole 51B decreases. An adjusting means operative from externalmay be provided at the tip end of the string post 54 to slide the stringpost 54 axially about the engagement member 55 (See Japanese patent No.2,802,742).

According to this peg mechanism, it is not required to make the taperedsurface of the string post 54 precisely tight contact with that of thebase end throughhole 51B. The need for providing tapered members such asthe engagement member 55 and the fastener ring 56, however, complicatesthe structure. In addition, as it is required to taper the outercircumferential surface of the string post 54 and the innercircumferential surfaces of the tip end throughhole 51A and base endthroughhole 51B, most of the above subjects to be solved in the priorart remain unsolved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has an object to provide a peg mechanism and pegfor stringed instruments, which are required to no skilled techniquesand dedicated tools, and manufactured and maintained. It is applicableto the existing instruments, easy to perform tuning and fine-tuning, andusable for a long time period instable.

The present invention has been made to achieve the above object. A firstaspect of the present invention provides a peg mechanism for stringedinstruments, which comprises a certain number of cylindricalthroughholes, each having an inner surface with an axially uniformdiameter, provided along the extending direction of a string andsequentially on a support wall formed in a head stock of a stringedinstrument; a bushing composed of a abrasion quality material sandwichedbetween a string post for winding a string and a knob for rotating thestring post, and secured in the throughhole; and an adjusting meansprovided between the string post and the knob for relatively moving thestring post close to and apart from the knob by external operations.

The bushing may be secured in the throughhole by a securing means whichhas anti-rotation pieces consisting of engaging projections such asknurls and protrusions formed on a circumferential surface of a portionadjacent to the inside of the throughhole. In this case, the bushing canbe secured when it is simply driven into the throughhole. This ispreferable to simplify the process steps.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a peg mechanism forstringed instruments, which comprises throughholes provided on a supportwall formed in a head stock of a stringed instrument, the throughholesprovided sequentially along the extending direction of a string; astring post, pivotally inserted in each of the throughholes, for windinga string, wherein the throughholes are each bored cylindrically to havean inner surface with an axially uniform diameter, the support wall atthe throughhole part is sandwiched between the string post and a knobfor rotating the string post, an adjusting means is provided in thestring post and the knob for relatively moving the string post close toand apart from the knob by external operations, and planar memberscomposed of a abrasion quality material such as a washer and a bushingare interposed between a string winder of the string post and thesupport wall and between the knob and the support wall, the planarmembers each having three or more projections contacting the supportwall, formed at an appropriate interval.

The string post may be coupled to the knob for rotating the string postby an anti-rotation means which is movable axially but inhibited torotate. For example, fit members for fitting one of the string post andthe knob with the other and engaging with each other during rotationsare preferable to simplify the configuration and insure the operation.In addition, at least one of the planar members may comprise a bushingsecured in the throughhole, the bushing having engaging projections suchas knurls and protrusions formed on a circumferential surface of aportion adjacent to the inside of the throughhole. In this case, thebushing can be secured when it is simply driven into the throughhole.This is preferable to simplify the process steps.

Further, the adjusting means may include a female threaded portionprovided on the tip of one of the string post and the knob, the stringpost and the knob arranged on the same center line; and a male screwprovided on the other of the string post and the knob, operative fromexternal or engaging in and from the female threaded portion torelatively move the string post close to and apart from the knob. Inthis case, only with the rotation of the male screw, the sandwichingpressure given to the bushing or support wall from the string post andthe knob can be adjusted. Thus, tuning of the string can be performedeasily and firmly. In addition, any of the string post, the knob and theplanar members can be replaced without special tools and techniques althe user side. This can preferably extend a maintenance period andreduce an expense.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a peg for stringedinstruments, which comprises a string post consisting of a string winderand a shaft driver provided adjacent to the string winder; a knobcoupled to the string post for rotating the string post; and a bushingcomposed of a abrasion quality material, sandwiched between the stringpost and the knob, and secured in a throughhole bored in a support wallof a head stock, wherein an anti-rotation means axially movable butinhibited to rotate, and an adjusting means provided between the stringpost and the knob for relatively moving the string post close to andapart from the knob by external operations are provided in the stringpost and the knob.

The bushing may be secured in the throughhole by a securing means whichhas anti-rotation pieces consisting of engaging projections such asknurls and protrusions formed on a circumferential surface of a portionadjacent to the inside of the throughhole. In this case, the bushing canbe secured when it is simply driven into the throughhole. This ispreferable to simplify the process steps.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a peg for stringedinstruments, which comprises a string post consisting of a string winderand a shaft driver provided adjacent to the string winder, the shaftdriver inserted into a throughhole bored in a support wall of a headstock in a stringed instrument; a knob coupled to the string post andhaving an anti-rotation means movable along the axis of the stringwinder of the string post but inhibited to rotate; and planar memberssecured in the throughholes, at a portion between the knob and thesupport wall, and at a portion between a string winder of the stringpost and the support wall, the planar members each having anti-rotationpieces into which the shaft driver is inserted, wherein an adjustingmeans is provided between the string post and the knob for relativelymoving the string post close to and apart from the knob by externaloperations, the planar members comprise planar members such as a washerand a bushing composed of a abrasion quality material and having threeor more projections contacting the support wall formed at an appropriateinterval.

In these pegs according to the third and fourth aspects of the presentinvention, the anti-rotation means for the string post and the knob maycomprise fit members for fitting one with the other and engaging witheach other during rotations. For example, polygonal ones in section cansimplify the configuration of the anti-rotation means and both can beproduced easily. Further, the string post and the knob can be preferablyinhibited to rotate firmly. The adjusting means may include a femalethreaded portion provided on the tip of on e of the string post and theknob, the string post and the knob arranged on the same center line; anda male screw provided on the other of the string post and the knob,operative from external for engaging in and from the female threadedportion to relatively displace the string post close to and apart fromthe knob. In this case, only with the rotation of the male screw, thesandwiching pressure given to the bushing or support wall from thestring post and the knob can be adjusted. Thus, tuning of the string canbe performed easily and firmly. In addition, any of the string post, theknob and the planar members can be replaced without special tools andtechniques at the user side. This can preferably extend a maintenanceperiod and reduce an expense.

Further, at least one of the planar members may comprise a bushingsecured in the throughhole, the bushing having engaging projections suchas knurls and protrusions formed on a circumferential surface of aportion adjacent to the inside of the throughhole. In this case, thebushing can be secured when it is simply driven into the throughhole.This is preferable to simplify the process steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partly sectioned plan view showing an embodiment of a pegmechanism for stringed instruments according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partly sectioned exploded view showing an embodiment of apeg for stringed instruments according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 exemplifies washers with protrusions for use in the peg accordingto the present invention. FIG. 3A is a plan view of a washer beforeformation of the protrusions, FIG. 3B is a plan view of a washer afterformation of the protrusions. FIG. 3C is a central cross-sectional viewof FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3D is a plan view of a washer according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a partly sectioned plan view showing another embodiment of apeg mechanism for stringed instruments according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a partly sectioned exploded view showing another embodiment ofa peg for stringed instruments according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 exemplifies bushings in FIG. 4. FIG. 6A is a perspective view ofa bushing with protrusions formed on its flange, FIG. 6B is aperspective view of a bushing with protrusions formed on its outercircumferential surface, and FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a bushingwith splines formed on its outer circumferential surface;

FIG. 7 is a partly sectioned plan view showing an example of aconventional peg mechanism for stringed instruments; and

FIG. 8 is a partly sectioned plan view showing another example of aconventional peg for stringed instruments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1

A first embodiment of a peg mechanism and peg for stringed instrumentsaccording to the first and third aspects of the present invention willbe described on the basis of FIGS. 1-3. In a head stock A of a stringedinstrument, a pair of support walls 2A, 2B are formed through a windingspace 3. A certain number of pairs (4 pairs in this embodiment) of peginsertion holes 1, 1 are bored through the support walls 2A, 2B alongthe extending direction of strings. A peg B is inserted into each pairof the throughholes 1, 1, which are in communication with each other.The peg B comprises a string post 4, a knob 5 and a male screw 6. Thestring post 4 can be rotated in the space 3 to wind a string. The knob 5is located outside the pair of support walls 2A. 2B and connected to thestring post 4 so as to sandwich either the support wall 2A or thesupport wall 2B together with the string post 4. The male screw 6 isoperable from external to axially slide the string post 4 relative tothe knob 5. The pair of support walls 2A, 2B are provided approximatelyV-shaped, as shown in FIG. 1, slightly tapered toward the upper portionof the stringed instrument. The pair of throughholes 1, 1 formed throughthe support walls 2A, 2B are each bored straight to make an innersurface with an axially uniform diameter.

The string post 4 comprises a string winder 7 and a shaft driver 8 asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The string winder 7 is formed cylindrical withan axially uniform diameter. It is inserted into the pair ofthroughholes 1, 1 in the support walls 2A. 2B. The shaft driver 8supports the string winder 7 and is inserted into one of the pair ofthroughholes 1. 1 in the support walls 2A, 2B. A bore 9 is formedthrough the outer circumference of the string winder 7 slightly closefrom the center to the base end along the length of the string winder 7.The bore 9 is employed to attach a string. The shaft driver 8 has thebase end (the right side in FIG. 2), which is coupled to the stringwinder 7, shaped columnar, and the tip end (the left side in FIG. 2), ofwhich outer surface is shaped polygonal in section. The shaft driver 8shaped polygonal has a threaded hole 10 formed in the tip along the axisto engage with the male screw 6 that is inserted from the top of theknob 5.

When the string post 4 is inserted into the throughholes 1, 1 in thesupport walls 2A, 2B, two washers 11, 12 are sandwiched between the baseend 7A of the string winder 7 and an inner surface of the support wall2A or 2B. The washer 12 adjacent to the support wall 2A or 2B has asurface 12A in contact with the support wall 2A or 2B. The contactsurface 12A has four sharp-pointed projections 13A formed at an equalinterval on parts of the periphery at the time of formation of thewasher 12, as shown in FIGS. 3A-C, which are then bent to formprotrusions 13 as anti-rotation pieces. These protrusions 13 may also behemispherical protrusions 13B, as shown in FIG. 3D, pressed from the topsurface to the back surface at the time of formation of the washer 12.Both of the protrusions 13, 13B may have arbitrary shapes and preferablythey are each provided with three or more.

The knob 5 is shaped in the form of an approximate disk. The top of theknob 5 has a threaded bore 5A formed in the axial direction to insertthe male screw 6 therein. The base end of the knob 5 has a polygonal fitbore SB for tightly contacting with the polygonal tip of the shaftdriver 8 of the string post 4. Accordingly, when the polygonal portionof the shaft driver 8 is inserted into the fit bore 5B of the knob 5,the male screw 6 can be inserted through the tip of the knob 5 to engagewith the threaded bore 10 of the shaft driver 8.

The knobs 5 are provided from the outside of the support wall 2A or 2Bonto the string posts 4 alternately at left and right sides, as shown inFIG. 1, in the extending direction of strings. A bushing 15 is attachedin each throughhole 1 in the support wall 2A or 2B, to which the knob 5is attached from external. The bushing 15 has such a size that canreceive the shaft driver 8 of the string post 4 therein. The bushing 15has a n outer circumferential surface with splines formed thereon, asshown in FIG. 2, which effect like the protrusions 13 on the washer 12.The outer circumferential surface has such an outer diameter that thebushing 15 can be inhibited to rotate once it is secured in thethroughhole 1 bored in the support wall 2A or 2B. The bushing 1S has aflange 15A at the base end, which has a diameter larger than that of thethroughhole 1. The knob 5 can be attached to the support wall 2A or 2Bthrough a color 16, a washer 17 and the bushing 15. The knob 5 may bemolded integrally with the color 16. The male screw 6 can be insertedthrough the top of the knob 5 as described above. A washer 18 issandwiched between the knob 5 and the head 6A of the male screw 6.

Operations of the peg mechanism and peg for stringed instrumentsaccording to this embodiment will be described next.

First, the string post 4 and the knob 5 sandwich the support wall 2A or2B to secure them onto the support wall 2A or 2B at such the extent thatt he string post 4 can not rotate due to tension of a string. In thiscase, when the male screw 6 is rotated in the normal direction to theknob 5, it moves forward relative to the shaft driver 8 of the stringpost 4. The tip of the shaft driver 8 of the string post 4 is configuredpolygonal. The polygonal tip of the shaft driver 8 is inserted into thefit bore 5B of the knob 5, which is configured axially movable butinhibited to rotate relative to tip of the shaft driver 8. Therefore,the knob 5 and the shaft driver 8 can not rotate relative to each otherand the shaft driver 8 can be inserted into the fit bore 5B of the knob5. Along with the insertion of the shaft driver 8, the string winder 7also moves toward the knob 5 to sandwich the support wall 2A or 2Bbetween the string post 4 and the knob 5. The sting post 4 and the knob5 are secured to the support wall 2A or 2B at such the extent that thestring post 4 can not rotate due to tension of a string by adjusting therotational force of the male screw 6.

In the present embodiment, the string post 4 and the knob 5 areconfigured to sandwich either the support wall 2A or 2B. Thissandwiching force can be adjusted when the string post 4 is relativelymoved toward the knob 5 by the male screw 6. Accordingly, the stringpost 4 can be secured by the user at such the extent that it can notrotate due to tension of a string. During the tuning operation forstrings, when the sandwiching force by the string post 4 and the knob 5given to the support wall 2A or 2B decreases, the normal rotation of themale screw 6 can increase the sandwiching force to promote the tuningoperation.

As the washer 12 with a plurality of protrusions 13 is interposedbetween the string winder 7 and the support wall 2A or 2B, a surface ofthe support wall 2A or 2B opposing to the string winder 7 may be uneven.In this case, when the protrusions 13 are pressed into the support wall2A or 2B to integrate the washer 12 with the support wall 2A or 2B, thewasher 12 can be maintained substantially in parallel with the bushing15. Thus, the string winder 7 contacts in plane with the support wall 2Aor 2B to unify a frictional resistance caused between the string winder7 and the support wall 2A or 2B As a result, the string post 4 can pivotsmoothly to promote a fine-tuning of the string.

Although described in the present embodiment is the stringed instrumentthat includes a pair of support walls in the head stock the invention isnot limited to this example. Rather it is obvious that the invention isapplicable to a stringed instrument that includes a single support wallin a head stock. In addition, it can be appreciated that as the planermembers only a pair of washers with protrusions, a pair of simplebushings, or an appropriate combination of them can be employed.

Embodiment 2

A second embodiment of a peg mechanism and peg for stringed instrumentsaccording to the second and fourth aspects of the present invention willbe described on the basis of FIGS. 4-6. The first embodiment is directedto the peg mechanism and peg for stringed instruments, which isbasically characterized in that the string post 4 and the knob 5 areemployed to sandwich the support wall 2A or 2B formed in the head stockthrough the throughhole 1 and that the thread 6 is employed to move thestring post 4 close to and apart from the knob 5. To the contrary, thesecond embodiment is basically characterized in that a string post 4 anda knob are employed to sandwich a bushing secured in a throughhole 1bored in a support wall 2A or 2B and that a thread 6 is employed to movethe string post 4 close to and apart from the knob. Therefore, the sameeffective structures of the head stock and support walls of the stringedinstrument, and of the throughholes, as those in the first embodimentmay be employed similarly. Accordingly, different parts from the firstembodiment and their associated mechanisms and peg will be mainlydescribed herein. The same reference numerals as those in the firstembodiment are employed to refer to the same parts with the sameeffects.

A peg C comprises a string post 4, a knob 21 and a male screw 6. Thestring post 4 can be rotated in a winding space 3 in a head stock A towind a string. The knob 21 is located outside a pair of support walls2A, 2B and connected to the string post 4 so as to sandwich a bushing 20secured in the throughhole 1 in either the support wall 2A or 2Btogether with the string post 4. The male screw 6 is operable fromexternal to slide the string post 4 relative to the knob 5.

Between the base end 7A of a string winder 7 and the bushing 20 in thestring post 4, a space adjustment bushing 22 is sandwiched for adjustinga length of the string post 4 along the axis in accordance with athickness of the support wall 2A or 2B. This adjustment is required whenthe string post 4 is inserted into the throughholes 1, 1 of the supportwalls 2A, 2B.

The knob 21 is shaped in the form of an approximate disk. The top ofknob 21 has a threaded bore 5A formed in the axial direction to insertthe male screw 6 therein. The base end of the knob 21 has a polygonalfit bore 5B for tightly contacting with the polygonal tip of the shaftdriver 8 of the string post 4. Accordingly, when the polygonal portionof the shaft driver 8 is inserted into the fit bore 5B of the knob 21,the male screw 6 can be inserted through the tip of the knob 21 toengage with the threaded bore 10 of the shaft driver 8.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bushing 20 is fixedly attached in eachthroughhole 1 in the support wall 2A or 2B, to which the knob 21 isattached from external. The bushing 20 has a through-hole with a sizethat can receive the shaft driver 8 of the string post 4 therein.

The bushing 20 has an outer circumferential surface with splines formedthereon as shown in FIG. 6C. The outer circumferential surface has suchan outer diameter that the bushing 20 can be inhibited to rotate once itis pressed in the throughhole 1 bored in the support wall 2A or 2B.

The bushing 20 has a flange 20A at the base end, which has a diameterlarger than that of the throughhole 1. The flange 20A has protrusions20B serving as anti-rotation pieces as shown in FIG. 6A. Theseprotrusions 20B are originally formed as four notched portions at thetime of formation of the bushing 20, forming the outer circumferencesurface of the bushing 20 columnar, on four locations at an equalinterval in parts of the periphery of the flange 20A and bentsharp-pointed inward. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6B, forming theouter circumference surface of the bushing 20 having the flange 20Acylindrical, protrusions 20C sharp-pointed may be formed on fourlocations at an equal interval in parts of the periphery of the bushing20. These protrusions 20B or 20C are pressed in the throughhole 1 boredin the support wall 2A or 2B to inhibit the rotation of the bushing 20about the support wall 2A or 2B. It is preferable to inject an adhesivebetween the bushing 20 and the throughhole 1 to secure the bushing 20firmly in the throughhole 1.

The bushing 20 of FIG. 6C may also be provided freely with one or bothof the protrusions 20B or 20C of FIG. 6A or 6B. The bushing 20 of FIG.6A or 6B may also be provided freely with the protrusions 20B or 20C.The protrusions 20B or 20C on the bushing 20 of FIG. 6A or 6B, which maybe in arbitrary shapes, are required at least three. The knob 21 isattached to the bushing 20 through a washer 23. The male screw 6 isconfigured to insert through the top of the knob 21. A washer 24 isinterposed between the knob 21 and the screw head 6A of the male screw6.

Operations of the peg mechanism and peg for stringed instrumentsaccording to this embodiment will be described next. First, the stringpost 4 and the knob 21 sandwich the bushing 20 secured in the supportwall 2A or 2B to secure them onto the bushing 20 at such the extent thatthe string post 4 can not rotate due to tension of a string. In thiscase, when the male screw 6 is rotated in the normal direction to theknob 21, it moves forward relative to the shaft driver 8 of the stringpost 4. The tip of the shaft driver 8 is configured polygonal Thepolygonal tip of the shaft driver 8 is inserted into the fit bore 5B ofthe knob 21, which is configured axially movable but inhibited to rotaterelative to tip of the shaft driver 8. Therefore, the knob 21 and theshaft driver 8 can not rotate relative to each other and the shaftdriver 8 can be inserted into the fit bore 5B of the knob 21. Along withthe insertion of the shaft driver 8, the string winder 7 also movestoward the knob 21 to sandwich the bushing 20 between the string post 4and the knob 21. The string post 4 and the knob 21 are secured onto thebushing 20 at such the extent that the string post 4 can not rotate dueto tension of a string by adjusting the rotational force of the malescrew 6.

In the present embodiment, the string post 4 and the knob 21 areconfigured to sandwich the bushing 20. This sandwiching force can beadjusted when the string post 4 is relatively moved toward the knob 21by the male screw 6. Accordingly, the string post 4 can be secured bythe user at such the extent that it can not rotate due to tension of astring. During the tuning operation for strings, when the sandwichingforce by the string post 4 and the knob 21 given to the bushing 20decreases, the normal rotation of the male screw 6 can increase thesandwiching force to promote the tuning operation.

Also described in the present embodiment is the stringed instrument thatincludes a pair of support walls in the head stock, though the inventionis not limited to this example. Rather it is obvious that the inventionis applicable to a stringed instrument that includes a single supportwall in a head stock.

According to the peg mechanisms of the first and second aspects of thepresent invention, the throughhole for receiving the string post thereinmay comprise a cylindrical hole that has an inner surface with anaxially uniform diameter. In addition, the string post may comprise acolumnar shaft that has an outer circumferential sur face with anaxially uniform diameter. Therefore, it is not required to consider theadjustment of the contact surface of the string post to the throughhole.As a result, the throughhole and the string post can be easily producedThe head stock can be easily produced and maintained even by beginnerswithout dedicated tools and simply applied to the existing instruments.

In addition, according to these peg mechanisms, the string post and theknob are configured to sandwich the bushing or the support wall and theadjustment means is configured to relatively displace the string postclose to and apart from the knob. Therefore, when the adjustment meansdisplaces the string post and the knob close to each other, thesandwiching force by the string post and the knob given to the bushingor the support wall can be increased To the contrary, when theadjustment means displaces the string post and the knob apart from eachother, the sandwiching force by the string post and the knob given tothe bushing or the support wall can be decreased As described, theadjustment means can adjust the sandwiching force by the string post andthe knob given to the bushing or the support wall. Thus, the string postand the knob can be secured to the bushing or the support wall to suchthe extent that the string post does not rotate due to tension of astring. Therefore, the user can rotate the string post with the handeasily, reliably and smoothly.

As the string post is not contact directly with the throughhole in thesupport wall. This can cause no abrasion due to rotation and achieveexcellent durability. In addition, the string post and the knob can beeasily secured onto the bushing or the support wall with a desiredpressure, for example, to such the extent that the string post does notrotate due to tension of a string. Accordingly, fine-tuning can beperformed easily at the time of tuning of the string.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a planar memberwith three or more protrusions formed on a surface contacting with thesupport wall is interposed between the string winder of the string postand the support wall and another between the knob and the support wall.As a result, frictions occur at locations that are not contact withwooden parts of the instrument and the planar members can suffer thethrust loads. In addition, the planar members can be maintainedapproximately in parallel with each other and not rotated when thestring post is rotated. Therefore, rotations of the planar membersimpart no damages on stringed instruments and the sandwiching pressuregiven from the knob and the string post to the support wall is not lost.At the same time, the string post can rotate smoothly to promote thefine-tuning and the use of tools for fine-tuning such as adjusters canbe open omitted. If the planar members are composed of a hard syntheticresin or metal, the instruments can be employed for a long tune periodin stable because the degree of abrasion can be decreased for a longtime use on locations that cause frictions. Furthermore, any of thestring post, the knob and the planar members can be replaced withoutspecial tools and techniques at the user side. This can extend amaintenance period and reduce an expense.

A planar member, having the protrusions as anti-rotation pieces, isinterposed between the string post and the support wall and anotherbetween the knob and the support wall as described above. As a result,the planar member itself is inhibited to rotate. In addition, the stringpost or the knob may not be parallel to the support wall sometimes, forexample, in the case of tapered support walls or a pair of roughparallel support walls. In such the cases, some of the protrusions canbe integrated with the support wall or the throughhole by engaging theminto the support wall or pressing into the throughhole to make theplanar members be substantially parallel. Accordingly, the string postand the knob can sandwich the support wall firmly and uniformly with adesired pressure.

According to the pegs of the third and fourth aspects of the presentinvention, the throughhole for receiving the string post therein maycomprise a cylindrical hole that has an inner surface with an axiallyuniform diameter. In addition, the string post may comprise a columnarshaft that has an outer circumferential surface with an axially uniformdiameter. Therefore, it is not required to consider the adjustment ofthe contact surface of the string post to the throughhole. As a result,the throughhole and the string post can be easily produced. The headstock can be easily produced and maintained even by beginners withoutdedicated tools. In addition, the user of the stringed instrument canreplace components easily and speedy by his/herself to reduce a timeperiod and expense necessary for maintenance.

What is claimed is:
 1. A peg mechanism for stringed instruments,comprising: a certain number of cylindrical throughholes, each having aninner surface with an axially uniform diameter, provided along theextending direction of a string and sequentially on a support wallformed in a head stock of a stringed instrument; a bushing composed ofan abrasion quality material, sandwiched between a string post forwinding a string and a knob for rotating said string post, and securedin said throughhole; and, an adjusting means provided in said stringpost and said knob for relatively moving said string post close to andapart from said knob by external operations; wherein said bushing issecured in said throughhole by a securing means which has anti-rotationpieces consisting of engaging projections such as knurls and protrusionsformed on a circumferential surface of a portion adjacent to the insideof said throughhole.
 2. The peg mechanism for stringed instrumentsaccording to claim 1, wherein said string post is coupled to said knobfor rotating said string post by an anti-rotation means which is movableaxially but inhibited to rotate.
 3. The peg mechanism for stringedinstruments according to claim 1, wherein said anti-rotation means forsaid string post and said knob comprises fit members for fitting onewith the other and engaging with each other during rotations.
 4. The pegmechanism for stringed instruments according to claim 1, said adjustingmeans including: a female threaded portion provided on the tip of one ofsaid string post and said knob, said string post and said knob arrangedon the same center line; and, a male screw provided on the other of saidstring post and said knob, operative from external, for engaging in andfrom said female threaded portion to relatively move said string postclose to and apart from said knob.
 5. A peg mechanism for stringedinstruments, comprising: throughholes provided on a support wall formedin a head stock of a stringed instrument, said throughholes providedsequentially along the extending direction of a string; a string post,pivotally inserted in each of said throughholes, for winding a string,wherein; said throughholes are each bored cylindrically to have an innersurface with an axially uniform diameter; said support wall at saidthroughhole part is sandwiched between said string post and a knob forrotating said string post; an adjusting means is provided in said stringpost and said knob for relatively moving said string post close to andapart from said knob by external operations; and, planar memberscomposed of an abrasion quality material such as a washer and a bushingare interposed between a string winder of said string post and saidsupport wall and between said knob and said support wall, said planarmembers each having three or more projections contacting said supportwall, formed at an appropriate interval.
 6. The peg mechanism forstringed instruments according to claim 5, wherein said string post iscoupled to said knob for rotating said string post by an anti-rotationmeans which is movable axially but inhibited to rotate.
 7. The pegmechanism for stringed instruments according to claim 5, wherein saidanti-rotation means for said string post and said knob comprises fitmembers for fitting one with the other and engaging with each otherduring rotations.
 8. The peg mechanism for stringed instrumentsaccording to claim 5, wherein at least one of said planar memberscomprises a bushing secured in said throughhole, said bushing havingengaging projections such as knurls and protrusions formed on acircumferential surface of a portion adjacent to the inside of saidthroughhole.
 9. The peg mechanism for stringed instruments according toclaim 5, said adjusting means including: a female threaded portionprovided on the tip of one of said string post and said knob, saidstring post and said knob arranged on the same center line; and, a malescrew provided on the other of said string post and said knob, operativefrom external, for engaging in and from said female threaded portion torelatively move said string post close to and apart from said knob. 10.A peg for stringed instruments, comprising: a string post consisting ofa string winder and a shaft driver provided adjacent to said stringwinder; a knob coupled to said string post for rotating said stringpost; and, a bushing composed of an abrasion quality material,sandwiched between said string post and said knob, and secured in athroughhole bored in a support wall of a head stock; wherein ananti-rotation means axially movable but inhibited to rotate, and anadjusting means for relatively moving said string post close to andapart from said knob by external operations are provided in said stringpost and said knob; wherein said bushing is secured in said throughholeby a securing means which has anti-rotation pieces consisting ofengaging projections such as knurls and protrusions formed on acircumferential surface of a portion adjacent to the inside of saidthroughhole.
 11. The peg for stringed instruments according to claim 10,wherein said anti-rotation means for said string post and said knobcomprises fit members for fitting one with the other and engaging witheach other during rotations.
 12. The peg for stringed instrumentsaccording to claim 10, said adjusting means including: a female threadedportion provided on the tip of one of said string post and said knob,said string post and said knob arranged on the same center line; and, amale screw provided on the other of said string post and said knob,operative from external, for engaging in and from said female threadedportion to relatively move said string post close to and apart from saidknob.
 13. A peg for stringed instruments, comprising: a string postconsisting of a string winder and a shaft driver provided adjacent tosaid string winder, said shaft driver inserted into a throughhole boredin a support wall of a head stock in a stringed instrument; a knobcoupled to said string post and having an anti-rotation means movablealong the axis of said string winder of said string post but inhibitedto rotate; and, planar members secured in said throughholes, at aportion between said knob and said support wall, and at a portionbetween a string winder of said string post and said support wall, saidplanar members each having anti-rotation pieces into which said shaftdriver is inserted; wherein an adjusting means is provided between saidstring post and said knob for relatively moving said string post closeto and apart from said knob by external operations; and, said planarmembers comprise planar members such as a washer and a bushing composedof an abrasion quality material and having three or more projectionscontacting said support wall, formed at an appropriate interval.
 14. Thepeg for stringed instruments according to claim 13, wherein saidanti-rotation means for said string post and said knob comprises fitmembers for fitting one with the other and engaging with each otherduring rotations.
 15. The peg for stringed instruments according toclaim 13, said adjusting means including: a female threaded portionprovided on the tip of one of said string post and said knob, saidstring post and said knob arranged on the same center line; and, a malescrew provided on the other of said string post and said knob, operativefrom external, for engaging in and from said female threaded portion torelatively move said string post close to and apart from said knob. 16.The peg for stringed instruments according to claim 13, wherein at leastone of said planar members comprises a bushing secured in saidthroughhole, said bushing having engaging projections such as knurls andprotrusions formed on a circumferential surface of a portion adjacent tothe inside of said throughhole.